---
title: "CISA Warns of Actively Exploited WatchGuard Firebox Vulnerability"
short_title: "CISA adds critical WatchGuard Firebox flaw to KEV catalog"
description: "CISA has added CVE-2025-14733, an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in WatchGuard Firebox, to its KEV catalog. Immediate patching is urged for all organizations."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [cisa, watchguard, cve-2025-14733, kev catalog, cybersecurity]
score: 0.85
cve_ids: [CVE-2025-14733]
---
TL;DR
CISA has added CVE-2025-14733, a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability in WatchGuard Firebox, to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog due to evidence of active exploitation. Federal agencies and organizations are urged to patch immediately to mitigate risks of cyberattacks.
---
Main Content
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has escalated its response to an actively exploited vulnerability in WatchGuard Firebox devices by adding CVE-2025-14733 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog. This move underscores the urgency of addressing flaws that malicious cyber actors are actively targeting, particularly those posing significant risks to federal and enterprise networks.
Key Points
- CVE-2025-14733 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in WatchGuard Firebox, a widely used network security appliance.
- The flaw is being actively exploited in the wild, making timely remediation critical.
- CISA’s Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01 mandates federal agencies to patch vulnerabilities in the KEV catalog by specified deadlines.
- While BOD 22-01 applies to Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies, CISA strongly recommends all organizations prioritize patching this vulnerability.
Technical Details
CVE-2025-14733 is classified as an out-of-bounds write vulnerability, a type of flaw that allows attackers to write data outside the intended memory boundaries. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, system crashes, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Such vulnerabilities are frequently exploited by threat actors to gain a foothold in target networks, making them a high priority for remediation.
WatchGuard Firebox devices are widely deployed in enterprise environments to provide firewall, VPN, and network security services. Exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass security controls, escalate privileges, or move laterally within a compromised network.
Impact Assessment
The inclusion of CVE-2025-14733 in CISA’s KEV catalog highlights its high severity and the immediate threat it poses to organizations. Federal agencies are required to remediate the vulnerability by the deadline specified in BOD 22-01 to prevent potential breaches. However, the risk extends beyond government entities—businesses, critical infrastructure providers, and educational institutions are also urged to act swiftly.
Failure to patch this vulnerability could result in:
- Unauthorized access to sensitive data or systems.
- Disruption of critical services due to system crashes or exploitation.
- Lateral movement by attackers within the network, leading to further compromise.
- Compliance violations for organizations subject to regulatory requirements.
Mitigation Steps
CISA and WatchGuard recommend the following actions to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-14733:
1. Apply patches immediately: Ensure all WatchGuard Firebox devices are updated to the latest firmware version that addresses this vulnerability.
2. Review network logs: Monitor for signs of exploitation or unusual activity, such as unexpected outbound connections or unauthorized access attempts.
3. Implement network segmentation: Limit the exposure of critical systems by segmenting networks and restricting access to essential services.
4. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access, even if credentials are compromised.
5. Follow CISA’s guidance: Refer to the [KEV Catalog](https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog) and [BOD 22-01 Fact Sheet](https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Reducing_the_Significant_Risk_of_Known_Exploited_Vulnerabilities_211103.pdf) for additional recommendations.
Affected Systems
- WatchGuard Firebox devices running vulnerable firmware versions.
- Organizations using WatchGuard Firebox for firewall, VPN, or network security are particularly at risk.
Conclusion
The addition of CVE-2025-14733 to CISA’s KEV catalog serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proactive vulnerability management. While federal agencies are mandated to act, all organizations must prioritize patching this vulnerability to reduce their exposure to cyberattacks. As threat actors continue to exploit known vulnerabilities, timely remediation remains one of the most effective defenses against cyber threats.
For more details, visit CISA’s [official alert](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/12/19/cisa-adds-one-known-exploited-vulnerability-catalog).
References
[^1]: CISA. "[CISA Adds One Known Exploited Vulnerability to Catalog](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/12/19/cisa-adds-one-known-exploited-vulnerability-catalog)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: CVE. "[CVE-2025-14733 Detail](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-14733)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: WatchGuard. "Security Advisories". Retrieved 2025-01-24.